Photo : Japan Times

Foreigners' presence is the major debate in the upcoming elections, reports Japan Today

Japan Reader Daily Wire | 14 July 2025, Monday | Vol 2 No. 146
Foreigners' presence is the major debate in the upcoming elections, reports Japan Today
On 14 July, Japan Today reported on the debate over foreign nationals in Japan ahead of the elections. The House of Councilors election will be held on 20 July, where policies towards foreign nationals are the primary debate. The minor nationalist Saneito party calls for stricter control over foreign residents as part of their “Japanese First” policy. The discussion is not based on election campaigns, but also on the larger xenophobic rhetoric gaining in Japan. The ruling party in Japan Liberal Democratic Party in Japan is seen as encouraging foreigners in Japan, while the party itself calls for “zero illegal foreigners.” The major opposition Democratic for the People, which has gained momentum in support, has called for stricter regulation on foreigners buying real estate. While the Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan calls for a “multicultural coexistence society.” The Sanseito Party remains the only hardliner on the issue, calling for ending welfare support for foreigners, banning employment in the public sector, and stricter cultural conformity by foreigners. The Conservative Party of Japan accused foreigners of disrespecting Japanese culture, ignoring the rules, and assaulting the locals by stealing their belongings. (“Foreigners at center of debate in Japan's tense election campaign,” Japan Today, 14 July 2025)

Japan Reader Daily Wire | 12 July 2025, Saturday | Vol 2 No. 145
US State Secretary refutes any “drama” between US-Japan relations
On 11 July, US State Secretary Marco Rubio expressed that there is no drama between US-Japan relations, as the Japanese Prime Minister calls for weaning off the US. Rubio also refuted the claims that the US was pressuring to increase defence spending, noting that it was more of an encouragement rather than a demand. He said: “It's less to do with the amount of money and more to do with certain things they can do.” This comes in light of the Trump administration urging Japan and its other allies to increase their defense spending by 5 per cent of their GDP. Japan also cancelled its annual defence and foreign ministers meeting with the US, in light of the demand. Rubio said: “Anyone who's looking for, like, drama or division there ... shouldn't be doing it because the truth of the matter is our relationship with Japan is very solid.” Additionally, “The idea that Japan's military would become more capable is not something we would be offended by; it's something we would be encouraged by.” (“Rubio says no 'drama or division' in U.S. relations with Japan,” Japan Today, 12 July 2025)

Japan Reader Daily Wire | 11 July 2025, Friday | Vol 2 No. 144
Japan-US-Philippines Foreign Ministers affirm freedom of navigation in the oceans
On 10 July, the Foreign Ministers of Japan, the US, and the Philippines affirmed the importance of freedom of navigation in the East and South China Seas. The ministers agreed to opposition against any unilateral actions in the sea. The event was attended by Japanese Foreign Minister Takeshi Iwaya, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and their Philippine counterpart Maria Theresa Lazaro. Iwaya is also called boost future-oriented cooperation. Iwaya said: “We will continue to work closely together with China and South Korea so that we can advance future-oriented cooperation that will also contribute to ASEAN nations.” (“Japan, U.S., Philippines reaffirm importance of navigation freedom,” Japan Today, 11 July 2025)

Japan Reader Daily Wire | 10 July 2025, Thursday | Vol 2 No. 143
Japan deploys Osprey fleet in its new military defense base
On 09 July, Japan’s Self-Defense Force started deploying its fleet of V-22 Ospreys in the new open base in the southwestern region of Japan. This comes after Japan has been beefing up its defence capabilities as tensions brew in the region. The first fleet of 17 Ospreys in the new home base, Camp Saga, by the SDF. The tilt-rotor aircraft have been temporarily based at Camp Kisarazu, near Tokyo, since 2020 during the construction of the base and other necessary facilities. The rest of the fleet is scheduled to complete its relocation in mid-August. Defense Minister Gen Nakatani said: “The security environment surrounding Japan has been increasingly severe, and it is our pressing task to strengthen our island defense capabilities.” (“Japan starts deploying Osprey fleet at a new base to beef up southwestern defense,” abcNews, 09 July 2025)

Japan Reader Daily Wire | 09 July 2025, Wednesday| Vol 2 No. 142
Japan deploys Osprey fleet in its new military defense base
On 09 July, Japan’s Self-Defense Force started deploying its fleet of V-22 Ospreys in the new open base in the southwestern region of Japan. This comes after Japan has been beefing up its defence capabilities as tensions brew in the region. The first fleet of 17 Ospreys in the new home base, Camp Saga, by the SDF. The tilt-rotor aircraft have been temporarily based at Camp Kisarazu, near Tokyo, since 2020 during the construction of the base and other necessary facilities. The rest of the fleet is scheduled to complete its relocation in mid-August. Defense Minister Gen Nakatani said: “The security environment surrounding Japan has been increasingly severe, and it is our pressing task to strengthen our island defense capabilities.” (“Japan starts deploying Osprey fleet at a new base to beef up southwestern defense,” abcNews, 09 July 2025)

Japan Reader Daily Wire | 07 July 2025, Monday | Vol 2 No. 140
Japan to conduct deep-sea mineral extraction
On 05 July, Japan Today reported that they plan to extract rare earth minerals from the ocean floor. Mining rare earths of 17 metals is extremely difficult to extract from the Earth's crust, and they are in high demand. China currently accounts for two-thirds of the rare earth mining production and is responsible for 92 per cent of the global refined output. Japan’s deep-sea drilling boat Chikyu will conduct a “test cruise” to retrieve ocean floor sediments, informs Japan’s Cross-ministerial Strategic Innovation Promotion Program’s Director Shoichi Ishii. He said: “The test to retrieve the sediments from 5,500 meters water depth is the first in the world,” and that “Our goal... of this cruise is to test the function of all mining equipment," so the amount of sediment extracted.” (“Japan plans 'world first' deep-sea mineral extraction,” Japan Today, 05 July 2025)

Japan to conduct deep-sea mineral extraction
On 05 July, Japan Today reported that they plan to extract rare earth minerals from the ocean floor. Mining rare earths of 17 metals is extremely difficult to extract from the Earth's crust, and they are in high demand. China currently accounts for two-thirds of the rare earth mining production and is responsible for 92 per cent of the global refined output. Japan’s deep-sea drilling boat Chikyu will conduct a “test cruise” to retrieve ocean floor sediments, informs Japan’s Cross-ministerial Strategic Innovation Promotion Program’s Director Shoichi Ishii. He said: “The test to retrieve the sediments from 5,500 meters water depth is the first in the world,” and that “Our goal... of this cruise is to test the function of all mining equipment," so the amount of sediment extracted.” (“Japan plans 'world first' deep-sea mineral extraction,” Japan Today, 05 July 2025)

Japan Reader Daily Wire | 05 July 2025, Saturday | Vol 2 No. 139
Japan to conduct deep-sea mineral extraction
On 05 July, Japan Today reported that they plan to extract rare earth minerals from the ocean floor. Mining rare earths of 17 metals is extremely difficult to extract from the Earth's crust, and they are in high demand. China currently accounts for two-thirds of the rare earth mining production and is responsible for 92 per cent of the global refined output. Japan’s deep-sea drilling boat Chikyu will conduct a “test cruise” to retrieve ocean floor sediments, informs Japan’s Cross-ministerial Strategic Innovation Promotion Program’s Director Shoichi Ishii. He said: “The test to retrieve the sediments from 5,500 meters water depth is the first in the world,” and that “Our goal... of this cruise is to test the function of all mining equipment," so the amount of sediment extracted.” (“Japan plans 'world first' deep-sea mineral extraction,” Japan Today, 05 July 2025)
 
Japan Reader Daily Wire | 04 July 2025, Friday | Vol 2 No. 138
Japan’s eighth round of discussion with the US to reduce 25 per cent tariffs
On 04 July, Japan Today informed that the government plans to send its Chief Tariff negotiator to the US for the eighth round of talks on the reciprocal tariff issue. The Trump administration has taken a hard stance on the tariff, which is seen as the last effort by the negotiator Ryosei Akazawa to secure a deal between the two countries. The deal aims to reduce tariffs on cars. The US has been reluctant to reduce the additional 25 per cent tariffs on cars. Japan Prime Minister, Shigeru Ishiba, said: “We need to cover a wide range of areas, including nontariff barriers. But we are steadily and certainly making progress on each of them.” He also said: “Japan is the largest investor in the United States and the biggest contributor in terms of creating jobs. we hope that this will be taken into consideration.” (“Japan seeks 8th round of tariff talks next week in U.S.,” Japan Today, 04 July 2025)

Japan Reader Daily Wire | 03 July 2025, Thursday | Vol 2 No. 137
LDP faces tough competition ahead of the upper house elections, says an editorial in Japan Today
On 03 July, an editorial in the Japan Times reported on the tough political landscape awaiting Japan’s Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba. This comes after the minority government lost in the snap elections. During his tenure, he made concessions to the opposition party so that the Liberal Democratic Party could stay in power. Campaigning begins today, and on 20 July, they will vote for the upper house. Ishiba said: “I will defend Japan’s national interest at all costs,” and that “Japan has its national interest and I will do my utmost to protect it.” Ishiba will need a simple majority with its minority coalition by winning 50 seats combined. Ishiba said: “It won't be easy. But in this difficult situation, it is a must-attain goal.” If there are poor results in the upper house elections, this will not immediately change the government, but will bring a change in the LDP leadership. The loss in last year's election is attributed to the votes being divided between centrist and conservative groups, after a major corruption scandal was out. (“Japan's minority government faces tough test in upper house election,” Japan Today, 03 July 2025)

Japan Reader Daily Wire | 02 July 2025, Wednesday | Vol 2 No. 136
Trump plans to increase import tariffs on Japan by 35 per cent
On 02 July, US President stated that he plans to further increase tariffs on imports from Japan as high as 30-35 per cent. This comes after stalled negotiations with the Japanese government. Trump stated that he is not sure if they are going to make a deal and that the overseas Air Force One is calling Japan “very tough” and “very spoiled.” Trump also complained that Japan does not import enough cars and rice from the US, and claimed that they have been ripping them off for 30-40 years. He praised the bilateral relations with Japan but noted that when it comes to trade, Japan has been “very unfair.” Trump said he plans to send a letter to Japan saying: “ank you very much...we know you can't do the kind of things that we need, and therefore you pay a 30 percent, 35 percent or whatever the number is that we determine.” (“Trump calls Japan 'very spoiled' as he floats idea of imposing 30% or 35% tariff,” Japan Today, 02 July 2025)

Japan Reader Daily Wire | 01 July 2025, Tuesday | Vol 2 No. 135
Trump complains that Japan is not importing enough rice from America
On 30 June, US President Donald Trump expressed concerns regarding Japan not importing enough American rice. This statement came in light of the stuck trade negotiations between the Trump administration and Japan’s government. Trump posted on social media, where he said: “won't take our RICE, and yet they have a massive rice shortage. In other words, we'll just be sending them a letter, and we love having them as a Trading Partner for many years to come.” He also noted that he has no plan to take back the hefty tariffs on Japanese automakers, where he said: “I could send one (letter) to Japan: 'Dear Mr Japan, here's the story. You're going to pay a 25 percent tariff on your cars.” Japan imports 770,000 tons of rice every year, where the top exporter being the US. (“Trump complains about Japan not importing enough American rice,” Japan Today, 01 July 2025)